MIAMI – October 10, 2013 – Norwegian Cruise Line continues its commitment to New Orleans with the inaugural arrival this Sunday, October 13, of Norwegian Jewel, the largest and newest ship from the line to homeport in the Crescent City. The 2,376-passenger ship features Norwegian’s signature Freestyle Cruising with 16 dining options, 13 bars and lounges and exclusive Nickelodeon programming and activities.

“We’ve taken the cruise experience up a notch in New Orleans this season by bringing one of our Jewel class ships here,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and CEO. “Norwegian Jewel enhances the cruise experience for guests with a wide range of amenities and accommodations to choose from.”

"The Norwegian Jewel demonstrates Norwegian's steadfast commitment to New Orleans with a newer and larger ship," said Gary LaGrange, Port President and CEO. "Cruise passengers sailing out of the Port of New Orleans have yet another exciting option with this beautiful ship and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line for many years to come."

Norwegian Jewel offer guests the opportunity to sail in style in The Haven, Norwegian’s exclusive and luxurious accommodations which include the largest suites at sea – the 5,000 square foot, three-bedroom Garden Villas. Guests can dine around the world with 16 dining options including French, Asian, American, and the line’s newest restaurant, Moderno Churasscaria, a Brazilian steakhouse. Norwegian Jewel also features three swimming pools; six hot tubs; a contemporary spa and fitness center; sports deck with basketball, volleyball and tennis court; the Jewel Club casino; and spectacular stage shows like Le Cirque Bijou and Band on the Run in the ship’s Stardust Theatre.

Onboard Norwegian Jewel, families will delight in the exclusive Nickelodeon programming. Activities include the Pajama Jam breakfast with the characters, where kids – and adults – can eat, sing and play with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Patrick, Diego and more; meet and greets with popular Nickelodeon characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer; and other family activities offered, including Nick Jr. story time, family trivia and special arts and crafts sessions.

Cruise Line International Association found cruise industry spending last year in Louisiana grew 42.5 percent to $399 million, generating 7,548 jobs. Those jobs resulted in $294 million in income, as New Orleans was ranked the sixth-largest cruise port in the United States.

For a limited time, as part of National Cruise Vacation Month, guests will receive up to $250 in onboard credit per stateroom plus a reduced deposit on new bookings made by November 1, 2013. For more information on Norwegian Jewel, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

About Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 46-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which revolutionized the industry by giving guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, Norwegian invites guests to “Cruise Like a Norwegian” on one of 12 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed, resort style cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. Recently, the line was named “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” by the World Travel Awards for the fifth consecutive year.

The Company took delivery of its most innovative ship to date, the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway on April 25, 2013. Known as New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway is the largest vessel to homeport year-round in the city, sailing to Bermuda for the summer. Norwegian Breakaway’s features include hull art by legendary artist Peter Max, seafood restaurant Ocean Blue by famed New York Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, bakery by Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss,” and fitness classes and a retrospective display from the ship’s iconic godmothers, the Rockettes®. The entertainment lineup includes three Broadway shows: Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner: Jungle Fantasy. Sister ship Norwegian Getaway, currently under construction at Meyer Werft, will be the largest ship to homeport year-round in Miami and will sail Eastern Caribbean voyages beginning in February 2014. The Company also has two larger “Breakaway Plus” vessels on order for delivery in the fall of 2015 and spring of 2017.

The Company’s largest ship, the 4,100 passenger Norwegian Epic has been named “Best Overall Cruise Ship” by the readers of Travel Weekly two years in a row and “Best Ship for Sea Days” by Cruise Critic. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group and Legends in Concert, the official cruise line partner of The GRAMMY Awards and is an official partner of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall.

High resolution, downloadable images are available at www.ncl.com/pressroom. For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line, visit www.ncl.com, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @Norwegiancruiseline, Pin us on Pinterest, watch us on YouTube, or contact us in the U.S. and Canada at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784).